The DeLorean DMC 12 – Screen Icon

The iconic DeLorean DMC 12 was produced in 1981 to 1982 by the Delorean Motor Company. Sometimes referred to as simply “Delorean” as it was the only car produced by the company. It became famous after being featured in the film series “Back to the Future”. While founded in Detroit, DeLorean cars were manufactured in Northern Ireland.

The DMC 12 was also famous for the wrong reasons. As company founder John Delorean struggled to raise funds to keep the company going, he became embroiled in a drug trafficking deal. Later cleared of all charges, Delorean and his company were tainted by the scandal. Without the desperately needed funding, the company went bankrupt in 1982.

The DMC 12 has unusual angular styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro, with bare stainless steel bodywork and gull wing doors. Mechanically the DMC 12 is unusual too and has a double “Y frame” chassis derived from a Lotus Esprit. The 2.8L V6 PRV ZMJ-159 engine is a Volvo/Peugeot/Renault engine. Contemporary car testers found the car slow and overpriced compared with competitors in the same price bracket.